McLaren Says ‘Yes’ To Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, ‘No’ To SUVs

Since the introduction of the iconic F1 of the 1990s, McLaren have basically reinvented themselves, with their current range consisting of three distinct lines: the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series.

Still, despite covering pretty much every aspect in terms of sports cars and supercars, starting with the 570S (or 540C in certain markets) and ending with the extreme Senna, the British automaker is not resting on its laurels.

As part of their plan announced two years ago, their next step is the introduction of hybrid vehicles, with the aim to have this tech available in half of the cars made in Woking by 2022.

Yes, they’ve already launched a hybrid in the P1, but that was a limited production model – this time we’re talking about much higher numbers.

Moreover, they’re also interested in an electric model, but this one will likely arrive after 2022, reports AutoNews after speaking to the brand’s North America chief, Tony Joseph.

“We haven’t confirmed any specific products yet, but we are very much looking at hybrid and electric“, said Joseph.

Despite saying yes to hybrids and electric cars, McLaren is still not interested in making an SUV, no matter how popular these high-riding vehicles have become over the last few years. So, don’t expect to see a competitor for the Lamborghini Urus and upcoming Ferrari SUV, or any of the rest SUVs manufactured by luxury automakers.

“We have been a company in existence for a long time prior to automotive, and we’re a profitable company, so there’s really no need to go into SUVs“, added Joseph. “We want to concentrate just on two-seat sports cars, and be known as the iconic sports car company.”

Early 2019 for the first customer car. We probably gonna get a view of it on late 2018.

Bash

Which only means they are already thinking about it.

Belthronding

well, i was about to say it,thanks mate.

Elmediterraneo

I’ve predicted two years ago that Ferrari will make an SUV but not McLaren. How ? Because Ferrari makes front engined cars while McLaren don’t, simple as that. To build an SUV you need to develop a front engined platform and McLaren doesn’t have the ressources and is independent from any big car maker since Mercedes left them. but for marketing resasons they won’t tell you that, they’ll say they are to proud on making two seats sports cars only as long as it’s profitable.

But once they’ll have a full EV platfrom they’ll make a more practical 4 seater whether it’s a GT or maybe an SUV.